Breast enlargement

Breast enlargement surgery, also known as breast augmentation and commonly referred to as a ‘boob job’ is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery operations in the UK.

Mr Chris Fenn, consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon based in Leeds, West Yorkshire has extensive experience in cosmetic breast surgery and regularly performs breast enlargement surgery on women who are unhappy with their breast size and shape.

Mr Fenn is highly regarded in the field of cosmetic breast surgery and in his NHS post, he frequently undertakes complete breast reconstruction or restorative breast surgery on women following mastectomy or other invasive breast surgery.

What is breast enlargement surgery?

Breast enlargement/breast augmentation surgery is when the breasts are surgically enhanced by the insertion of implants under the natural breast tissue, giving the appearance of larger, fuller breasts.

What are the benefits of breast enlargement surgery?

Many women long for bigger or shapelier breasts and they choose to have a ‘boob job’ as it enables them to achieve the look they desire.
After their breast enlargement surgery, women often say they feel more feminine and that their fuller, firmer breasts enable them to wear clothes they would have felt uncomfortable wearing prior to the operation. They also say that their body feels more in proportion following surgery and as a result they have more confidence and greater self-esteem.

Am I suitable for breast enlargement surgery?

If you have naturally small breasts and have always wanted larger ones or if your breasts have lost volume and shape following pregnancy or weight loss, then you may be suitable for breast augmentation surgery.

If you are considering surgery then the first step is to arrange a consultation with Mr Chris Fenn. After an examination of your breasts and a discussion about your medical history, Mr Fenn will be able to confirm your suitability for the operation.

During the same appointment, you will also discuss with Mr Fenn the size and shape that you would like your breasts to become and your expectations from the surgery. To ensure that you make an informed decision, Mr Fenn will discuss the risks associated with surgery and will encourage you to ask questions and take your time to think about the procedure before you decide to go ahead.

What type of implants and are they safe?

Mr Chris Fenn uses safe, high quality silicone implants. Mr Fenn favours the use of silicone implants which have American FDA approval.

During your initial consultation, he will show you two different breast implants – a round implant and an anatomical (tear-drop) shaped implant. A round breast implant is generally used to achieve a more obvious augmented look with a more pronounced fill across the upper breast whilst an anatomical implant is frequently used to achieve a more natural, unoperated look. Mr Fenn will tailor the surgery to achieve your individual desired look.

Examples of a standard round implant

and a tear-drop (anatomical) implant

Silicone implant cut, showing cohesive

implant gel

How do you achieve the right look for me?

Everyone is different and has a different expectation from surgery. One can tailor the operation to the individual. This involves deciding on the size of implant, shape of implant, and position of implant either under the breast tissue or under the muscle.

A more natural looking breast can be obtained by using a shaped anatomical implant. Placing the implant under the chest muscle can also help a softer contour from chest wall to upper breast, preventing a ‘stepped’ look.

What does breast enlargement surgery involve?

Performed under general anaesthetic, breast enlargement surgery takes approximately 1-1 ½ hours and usually involves an overnight stay in hospital.

A fine incision is made, typically along the natural crease line beneath the breasts and implants are inserted either under the existing breast tissue or under the pectoralis muscle of the chest.

Once the breast implants are in position, the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches under the skin. Scarring is minimal and usually hidden underneath the breasts.

Under breast tissue and muscle

Under the breast tissue only

How long does it take to recover?

For a week or so after the operation, you may have a little discomfort and your breasts may feel tender. To help your breasts settle and to make you feel more comfortable, you will be advised to wear a sports bra for a few weeks following surgery.

It is likely that you will be able to return to work 1-2 weeks after your surgery although you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 6 weeks.

You will have a number of follow-up appointments with both the cosmetic surgery nursing team and Mr Fenn to ensure that your wound is healing as it should.

Does Mr Fenn perform redo/revision breast surgery?

Mr Chris Fenn has particular expertise in restoring the natural shape and form of a breast in situations when the breast has developed an unusual look following previous breast surgery. With extensive experience in breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, Mr Fenn can offer advice on potential corrective surgery and offer options to improve the look, size or shape of the breasts.

Further Reading

In September 2000 the Department of Health published a booklet (revised April 2014) that offered advice and information to women considering breast implant surgery. It summarised the key issues to consider and suggested questions that women could ask to help them make an informed choice about surgery.